GNR Launch Highlights Guatemala’s Successful Zero Hunger Pact

This article is adapted from one that was originally posted on the Scaling Up Nutrition website here. 

On 28th April 2015, the Global Nutrition Report was launched in Guatemala, presenting a global platform for Guatemala to showcase their collective efforts towards achieving their Zero Hunger Pact which was launched by President Otto Perez Molina in 2012. At the launch organised by the National Council for Food and Nutrition Security (CONASAN), the Global Nutrition Report was presented by Vice President Roxana Baldetti, along with Sarah Dickson, the British Ambassador to Guatemala.

Results reported help to articulate the participation of several government institutions, United Nations agencies, donors, private sector and civil society, led by the Secretariat of Food and Nutritional Security (SESAN), which have been key to the progress observed in the Zero Hunger Plan. During the event, Guatemala shared their data monitoring system and aims to continue sharing their experience worldwide as an example of best practice.

Sarah Dickson added that the Department for International Development (DFID) supports programs against malnutrition in Guatemala through various multilateral agencies of the United Nations. The Ambassador said that combating malnutrition is a priority, sustainable policies should be promoted, and that nutritious diets must be achieved to ensure future generations are protected.

“We are proud, as the Global Nutrition Report 2014 says that Guatemala is an inspiration to the world in regard to financial monitoring to improve nutrition,” said German Gonzalez, Secretary of SESAN. He reiterated the importance of financial monitoring at the SUN Budget Analysis Workshop which followed in the days immediately following the launch.